IndiGo's Chennai-Réunion Island Route Is India's Only Direct Link to the French Indian Ocean Territory

IndiGo began direct, nonstop flights between Chennai and Réunion Island on 29 April 2026, making it the only Indian carrier, and the only airline offering a direct link, between India and the French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar and near Mauritius. The route operates three times a week, on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, using an Airbus A320, and gives Chennai its 13th international destination and IndiGo its 46th.

Why Réunion, and why Chennai

Réunion Island holds a sizeable population of Indian origin, tracing back to indentured labourers brought to the then-French colony in the 19th century, a link IndiGo has cited as part of the route's rationale alongside growing leisure demand for the island's volcanic landscapes and Indian Ocean setting. Chennai's existing base of Southeast and East Asian routes made it the airline's choice of gateway over Mumbai or Delhi.

What the island offers

Réunion is built around two volcanic massifs, the dormant Piton des Neiges and the still-active Piton de la Fournaise, with a landscape of cirques, ravines and rainforest that has made the island a hiking and canyoning destination for visitors from mainland France and neighbouring islands, though it remains little known among Indian travellers to date. As a French territory, entry requirements for Indian passport holders follow Schengen-adjacent rules distinct from mainland France's, and travellers should confirm current visa requirements before booking.

Before you book

This article reflects IndiGo's own route announcement and subsequent coverage; as with any relatively new international service, schedules, frequency and fares can change. Readers should confirm the current timetable, fares and Réunion's entry requirements for Indian passport holders directly with IndiGo and official sources before travelling.

Traveller tips

• The route runs three times a week, not daily, so build travel dates around the Wednesday, Friday and Sunday schedule.
• Confirm Réunion's current entry and visa requirements for Indian citizens before booking, since the island's rules differ from mainland France's.
• Réunion's volcanic interior favours a longer stay with time for hiking; a short weekend trip will mostly cover the coastal towns.
• Check IndiGo's official channels for the latest schedule and fares closer to your travel dates.